Speaking of the Uzang area, we must go back to the Hongwu period.
In the early Ming Dynasty, although the former Yuan forces retreated to the northern part of the Great Wall, they still maintained considerable strength, threatening the survival of the Ming Dynasty. The confrontation between the Ming Dynasty and the Northern Yuan Dynasty was the core issue for a long time in the early days of the Ming Dynasty. Many issues must be dealt with. Submitting to the overall situation of the Mongolian issue and adopting a policy of restraining Uzbekistan was a choice Zhu Yuanzhang had to make.
The geographical location of Uzang is very special. It is bounded by the Hexi Corridor and Saibei to the north, and Yunnan is to the south (it has not yet been recovered when the founding of the People's Republic of China). Because it has been controlled by the Yuan Dynasty for a long time, it has a close relationship with the former Yuan Dynasty.
During the war in the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang worried more than once that Yunnan, Uzang, and Saibei would be united into one, forming a powerful threat to the west, northwest, and southwest of the Ming Dynasty.
The storming of Uzang was not a war that could be ended in a short time. In addition, the financial difficulties in the early Ming Dynasty made the roads in the Uzang area difficult. There were no conditions for long-term operations in Uzang. Zhu Yuanzhang thought over and over again and decided on the strategy of restraining the troops. Free up your hands to deal with the Northern Yuan forces in the Hexi Corridor and Yunnan.
In the early years of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang sent his foreign minister Xu Yunde to various places in Gansu, Qinghai, Kangxi, and Tibet to appease the local officials and lamas of the Yuan Dynasty. He Suonanpu, the Tubo propaganda envoy, was recruited and handed over the gold and silver medals and seals given by the Yuan Dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang took advantage of the situation and established the Hezhou Guard, and Xining Guard, Taozhou Guard, and Minzhou Guard were set up, and Han and Tibetan officials participated in the governance.
In the seventh year of Hongwu's reign, Zhu Yuanzhang established the Xi'an Capital Command Department, and managed Uzang through the three guards of Uzang, Duogan and Hezhou. Later, he promoted the two guards of Duogan and Uzang to the command department of the capital, and reused local people. Local officials, later established the Duogansi Xuanwei Department and the Recruitment Department...
In the Yuan Dynasty, the three-pronged Xuanwei divisions of Uszang, Narisu, and Gurusun were changed to Uszang Dusi and Oris Military and Civilian Marshal's Mansion. Through a series of capital divisions, guard posts, etc., Zhu Yuanzhang realized the control of The "military" administration of Uzang.
In the twenty-sixth year of Hongwu's reign, Zhu Yuanzhang established the Xining Sengang Division, Hezhou Weihan Sengang Division, and Hezhou Weifan Sengang Division to handle affairs related to Uzbek Buddhism.
Looking at the thirty-one years of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang's management of Uzang was not much different from the chieftain system in Guangxi and Yunnan. They were both "divide and rule" strategies.
Zhu Yunwen initially believed that the Ming Dynasty's restraint policy against Wu Zang was weak and vulnerable. However, facts proved that although the Ming Dynasty adopted a restraint policy against Wu Zang, it was by no means without restraints. Wu Zang could not Maybe he was like the Guangxi chieftain who said he was rebelling. He cut down a tree and hung a piece of cloth to rebel.
In a sense, Uzang needs Ming and its survival depends on Ming. It is precisely because of this that Ming's policy of restraining Uzang seems weak, but in fact it is profound.
The key to Ming Dynasty's control of Uzang was tea.
The tea-horse trade was Zhu Yuanzhang's method of "controlling the barbarians and the Di".
The Sino-Tibetan tea and horse trade began in the prosperous Tang Dynasty and became popular in the Song and Ming Dynasties. However, during the Tang Dynasty, the tea-horse mutual trade had just emerged and the government-run monopoly had not yet been formed. In the Song Dynasty, the exchange of money and silk for horses was no longer the main thing, but the exchange of materials and horses was the main thing. In the early Ming Dynasty, it was further strengthened. The tea and horse department was set up by the imperial court to be responsible for the tea and horse trade, such as Qinzhou, Taozhou Yongning, Hezhou, Diaomen Tea Horse Company, etc.
Wu Zang "depends on Chinese tea for its life" and uses tea as the foundation of its ties. It promotes tea-horse mutual trade and tribute trade, allowing Wu Zang and the Ming Dynasty to maintain peace for nearly 40 years.
But peace is not fundamental. The fundamental lies in who has the final say on this land, and whether the imperial power and supreme will of the Ming Dynasty can control this land.
Zhu Yunwen's idea of truly controlling Uszang had been conceived for many years, but it was extremely difficult to implement it. Coupled with the constraints of internal governance, the creation of a new capital, and the Western Expedition, he had no energy to consider Uszang at all.
At present, the imperial censor advocated inviting the Buddhist leader of Uzang, Harima, to join the court and canonize him, so as to strengthen the court's control over Uzang. This really hit Zhu Yunwen's mind.
Zhu Yunwen summoned Xie Jin, Yu Xin, and Yang Shiqi from the cabinet, Chen Xingshan, the Minister of Rites, and Daoyuan, the presiding officer of Tianjie Temple, and Zhiguang, a monk, to Wuying Hall.
Xie Jin and others were a little surprised when they saw the monks from Tianjie Temple coming. Daoyuan and Zhiguang also seemed puzzled and looked at a loss.
The chamberlain hung up the map of the southwest of the Ming Dynasty. Although Uzang was included in it, many places were blank and there were only a few annotations.
Zhu Yunwen pointed at the map and said: "Now that the Western Region has been initially decided, and the guards are approaching Uzang, whether it is to eliminate the internal tension in Uzang or to strengthen control of Uzang, it is necessary for the imperial court to cooperate with Uzang. Strengthen ties with Si Zang. But Us Zang is different from the Western Regions, where Tibetan Buddhism is the mainstay and most of the people are monks. How to keep Us Zang surrendering to our dynasty requires careful consideration."
Xie Jin suddenly realized, no wonder the monk from Tianjie Temple was invited to discuss the matter.
Daoyuan and Zhiguang felt at ease. It turned out that Zhu Yunwen had begun to pay attention to Uzang and was ready to inquire about the news there. This was a good thing for Buddhism.
"Who knows the current situation in Uzang, please tell me."
Zhu Yunwen sat down and glanced at everyone.
Xie Jin, Yu Xin and Yang Shiqi did not stand up. Uzang had never been the focus of the court's political affairs. Occasionally, if something happened, it was handled by local "autonomy". The only thing the court managed was the tea-horse trade, and doing something Buying and selling, I dare not say that I understand the situation in Uzang.
Daoyuan, the host of Tianjie Temple, came out: "Your Majesty, Tianjie Temple knows a thing or two about Wu Zang's situation. However, times have changed and the distance is far away, so it may not be accurate."
Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly: "But it doesn't matter."
Daoyuan felt relieved and spoke eloquently: "Lamaism is prevalent in Uzangsheng, and its sects are diverse, including the red sect - Kadam sect, the white sect - Kagyu sect, the flower sect - Sakya sect, and the black sect - - Penbu Sect, etc. During the Yuan Dynasty, Kublai Khan canonized the Living Buddha Ba Si Ba of the Flower Sect as the Great Treasure - Dharma King. He was the leader of the Yuan Dynasty in Uzang, and the Flower Sect became the authentic sect of Tibetan Buddhism."
"However, with the decline of the Yuan Dynasty, the authentic status of the Flower Sect was gradually shaken, and other sects took advantage of the situation to rise. Among them, Kunze Siba, the master of the Flower Sect, and Harima, the master of the Bai Sect, both had a great influence on Uzang. But compared to the Flower Sect, As far as the Yellow Sect and the White Sect are concerned, the Yellow Sect, which has been around for 20 years, is even more noteworthy."
Xie Jin couldn't help but ask: "The Yellow Sect has been around for such a short time, why do we need to pay attention to it?"
Daoyuan's face was solemn: "I don't know what Jiege knows. Tsongkhapa, the master of the Yellow Sect, is not an ordinary person. It is said that this person is profound in Buddhism. He founded the Gelug Sect of the Yellow Sect. His works include "Commentary on Paramita: Good at Saying the Golden Garland" , "The Lamrim of the Path to Enlightenment," is like a master in Lamaism. He has gained many followers in his twenty years. If he is given another twenty years, the Yellow Sect will definitely become the mainstream of Tibetan Buddhism."
Yu Xin frowned: "Are you saying that too much?"
Daoyuan was shocked and quickly said to Zhu Yunwen: "This is just the words of the old monk and his family."
Zhu Yun squinted his eyes and murmured softly: "Yellow Sect, Tsongkhapa?"
Yang Shiqi asked curiously: "Does the emperor know this person?"
Zhu Yunwen shook his head, but he sighed in his heart. This Tsongkhapa is not a simple person. As the founder of the Yellow Sect, he is very famous in Tibetan Buddhism, and among his disciples, there are two It is extremely famous. One disciple is called the first Dalai Lama, and another disciple is called the first Panchen Lama...
Daoyuan is right. Although the Yellow Sect is not yet popular at this time, it will become the mainstream of Tibetan Buddhism in the future.
“Which power in Uzang is the most powerful right now?”
Zhu Yunwen asked.
Daoyuan thought for a while and said seriously: "In terms of power, it must be Drakpa Gyaltsen, the leader of the White Sect."
Yu Xin asked: "Just now you said that Master Bai Jiao was Harima, why did you say that the most powerful one is Phagmo Drukpa?"
Daoyuan smiled and moved the beads: "Nakpa Gyaltsen is the leader of the local government in Pazhu, and Harima is the spiritual leader of the Bai religion."
Yu Xin, Xie Jin and others nodded repeatedly.
Baijiao is a Kagyu sect, but its full name is Pazhu Kagyu sect. As early as the fifth year of Hongwu, Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang conferred upon Sakyamuni Gyaltsen, then leader of the Pazhu Sect, the title of National Master. But now Shakya Gyaltsen has passed away, and his leader has become Drakpa Gyaltsen.
Zhu Yunwen rubbed the center of his eyebrows. There were many Uzbek sects, including local political power and Buddhist rule. It could be described as a mess. Besides the red, white, black, and yellow sects, there were also a bunch of messy sects, each of which influenced one party. .
Under such circumstances, it is irrational and inappropriate to directly send troops to Uzang and strengthen the central government. The only feasible way is to reward people with all their strength. It doesn’t matter what sect you are, whether you are big or small, as long as When you come to Ming Dynasty, you will be given a seal, a seal, clothes, and a name.
Zhu Yunwen knew that it was difficult for the stubborn Tibetan Buddhism to integrate into the Central Plains culture, and it was unrealistic for the local people not to believe in the religion. If he wanted to strengthen the court's control over Uzang, the best way was to keep Uzang weak and each side , and when the time is right, the Ming sergeant will move in again.
"Wuzang is the territory of the Ming Dynasty. Although it is just a policy to restrain the emperor, after all, it belongs to the imperial court and must be taken seriously. I heard that Harima is good at channeling and is good at illusions. You might as well send someone to invite Harima to come to the court for pilgrimage. In addition, invite Zha Ba Gyaltsen also comes here."
Zhu Yunwen decided to set two examples to attract other Uzbek sects to come to the court.
When Daoyuan heard about it, he quickly said: "I am going to Uzang, and I am also inviting Master Bai Jiao. Can your Majesty allow Zhiguang to accompany me? Zhiguang is proficient in Tibetan and has studied Buddhist scriptures deeply. I think I can communicate with Bai Jiao." , draw into the relationship.”
Zhu Yunwen looked at Monk Zhiguang.
Zhiguang requested: "Please give me your permission, please."
Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly: "If that's the case, then I'm sure. In addition, I ordered the Chief of Ceremonies, Hou Xian, and the Traveler's Department, Zhao Bo, to go to Uzang to welcome Harima and Drakpa Gyaltsen into the court."
Hou Xian, born in the late Yuan Dynasty, was from the 18th tribe of Xifan (Tibetans). He was captured when Lan Yu conquered Taozhou, castrated and became a palace eunuch. Over the years, he has acted steadily as the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and he is enough to take on this important task. The most important thing is that this person has indeed contributed to the peace between Sino-Tibetan people in history.
